Fernando Alonso on Thursday warned that Aston Martin's long-awaited upgraded chassis, being introduced at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, was unlikely to change their position as tail-enders.
But, he said, he believed the team would close the gap and may do better once they understand the potential of the package.
An engine upgrade, more critical to a big uplift in performance, is not due until after F1's summer break when Alonso has said he will make a decision about his own future.
The 44-year-old two-time world champion made clear he has complete belief in Aston Martin under the guidance of F1's most revered designer Adrian Newey, but he would base his decision on how much fun he experienced as a driver.
"It's not that I need any answers from the upgrade," he said.
"I have a pretty clear picture of the team that we will fix all the problems – it takes time, but I have no doubts. I have zero doubts that Adrian (Newey) will provide the best car on the grid, sooner or later.
"I would like to see the first step with this package. And it's just how soon the car will be competitive. That's the question.
"Maybe the next two races will give us a feeling for that, but for me, I'm relaxed, as I said many times. I'm thinking I need to know what I do next year and the years to come.
"I feel fresh, motivated, fast, but I need to enjoy what I do. As I said in Spa, it was not fun to drive and I think not fun to watch."
He explained that F1's chosen direction with the new 'hybrid era' did not provide the same experience for drivers.
"It's not the same adrenaline that I used to have," he said. "So that's something I need to put on the table.
"It's not a problem for me of the competitiveness of the team. It's a problem that F1 can give me the adrenaline that I need to live!"